We have had an exciting couple of months. I would like to welcome WZTD Telemundo Richmond and WAMA 1550 AM ESPN Deportes Radio to the ZGS family. WZTD is our 13th Telemundo affiliate. We are proud to be the only local Spanish-language station in the market and will be kicking-off the New Year with special live coverage of the Inauguration of Virginia’s Governor on January 16. ESPN Deportes radio is a great addition to Tampa. With holaciudad!, WRMD and now ESPN Deportes we have a tremendous reach in the market and a true 360° approach. I would like to extend a special thank you to everyone. Without your hard work, dedication and teamwork all the advances we have made this year would not have been possible. We have a great team and I appreciate all that you do. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your families. Un gran abrazo y saludos a todos.

ZGS in the Community

WWSI Philadelphia Sponsors Baby and Toddler Expo

WWSI Philadelphia and La Mega cosponsored the Second Annual Baby and Toddler Expo on November 1 at the Concilio Headquarters. The Expo is a special event for the Hispanic community to learn about safety, nutrition, and the general well being of babies and toddlers. There was also plenty of activities and entertainment. It attracted many families from the area and was a huge success.

A clown entertains the children

Leer Para Vencer Returns to Central Florida

WTMO Orlando launched the second year of their Leer Para Vencer (Read to Succeed) program. Telenoticias Orlando and Entre Nos talent visit area elementary schools to highlight the importance of reading and to read to pre-K - 2nd grade students. November's visits included Three Points Elementary and Lancaster Elementary, both in Orlando. Scholastic sponsored the December visit to Koa Elementary in Kissimmee, in which every student received a book.

Rafael Carderera with the students and teachers at Koa Elementary

KVDA San Antonio Brings Toys to Local Children

KVDA San Antonio participated in a local toy drive at Mi Mercado flea market on December 13. A new toy donation, which helped benefit low-income children in the San Antonio community, allowed many of our viewers to enjoy a day of live music, food and fun with their entire families this Christmas Season.

Santa makes a stop in San Antonio

KTDO Walks for Local Cancer Patients

KTDO El Paso, along with other local sponsors and the American Cancer Society teamed up for the 1st Annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk on October 25. The event helped raise over $85,000 which will be used to help local cancer patients receive much-needed support.

Walkers gather at the start of the event

KNSO Fresno Hosts Thanksgiving Food Drive

KNSO Fresno hosted Festival Acción de Gracias a Thanksgiving event on November the 22 at Manchester Center. Hundreds of people attended the event, which was full of music, dancers, food, entertainment and information booths. Festival Acción de Gracias was also a food drive to benefit the Community Food Bank of Fresno County. During the event, Guarantee Real Estate presented a check for $4,000 to the Community Food Bank.

Onlookers view the event stage from above

WRDM/WDMR Hartford/Springfield Promotes Literacy

In continuing its commitment to the Hispanic community, WRDM/WDMR Hartford Springfield invited Telemundo celebrity Mónica Noguera to kick-off its literacy campaign Leer Para Vencer (Read to Succeed). The event took place on December 12 at Hartford Public High School and was part of the Regional School Choice Fair. Over 1,000 families attended as WRDM/WDMR reminded parents how important it is to play an active role in their children’s education. Noguera addressed the need for parents to become involved in the literacy development of their children. “I encourage you all to read and learn,” Noguera said. “Knowledge is power and you are the future.”

Monica Noguera signs autographs for students

VIVA 900 Brings Holiday Spirit to Families in Need

Viva 900 and the Prince George’s County Police Department teamed-up for their 8th annual food and toy drive for area families. The event was held on December 18 at the Police Community Center in Langley Park, Maryland. For the first time VIVA aired live from the event.

Detective Rodriguez Oyente receives donations from VIVA DJ Mavi Baez

WWDT Ft. Myers-Naples Reads to Students

WWDT Ft. Myers-Naples participated in the Hispanic Heritage Month roaring Readers Program for the second year at Spring Creek Elementary School. Over 100 kids were present with their parents on October 12 to listen as children’s books were read in English and Spanish. Children and their parents received hats and t-shirts from WWDT.

Spring Creek students show their Telemundo spirit

WRDM/WDMR Hartford/Springfield Gives Local Award

WRDM/WDMR Hartford/Springfield presented the Mohegan Sun with an award for best venue in Connecticut for Latin shows. For three weeks in October, viewers of WRDM/WDMR were prompted with a 15-second promo to vote online at www.holaciudad.com for their favorite venue. The Mohegan Sun was the clear favorite, capturing 50% of the votes. Over the past five years, the Arena has hosted nearly thirty Latin shows and entertained over 100,000 Latin music fans. Upcoming Latin shows include Aventura and Mohegan Sun favorites Latin Freestyle and Lo Mejor de los 90’s.

Moraima Guitierrez presents the award to the Mohegan Sun

En Casa Con Martin Ycaza Celebrates Anniversary

The WWDT Ft. Myers-Naples team celebrated the first anniversary of local show En Casa Con Martin Ycaza on November 21. Media partners, business owners, friends and family were all part of this celebration at Privileged Night Club in North Naples.

Martin Arnaud was promoted to Local Sales Manager for WTMO Orlando. Arnaud previously served as National Sales Manager for ZGS Communications’ Florida stations. He has been with the company for the past 12 years.

Lizett Vargas-Gonzalez, was promoted to Digital Sales Manager for holaciudad!. She has worked for ZGS since 2004. She has most recently served as National Sales Manager for KTDO El Paso, prior to that she was a local Account Executive for KTDO. In her new role Vargas-Gonzalez will lead the effort to further develop digital sales for the web portal.

Julissa Marenco, President of ZGS Station Group was appointed to the National Association of Broadcasters Education Foundation (NABEF) Board of Directors. NABEF is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving the public interest in supporting and advocating: education and training programs, strategies to increase diversity, initiatives stressing the importance of the First Amendment, community service, philanthropy and timely broadcasting issues.

Clara Rivas, General Manager of Telemundo Philadelphia was recognized as one of the most influential Latinos in the tri-state area by Concilio and Impacto, on December 5 at a reception held at Hyatt Hotel. Community leaders and other honorees were in attendance.

Liliana Henao, news anchor for Telenoticias Washington moderated a Congressional Briefing on Hispanics and Health Care Reform: Fostering Alternative Solutions and Best Practices. The event was organized by the Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute and was held on November 18. The panel discussion brought together health policy leaders, community advocates, student leaders and young professionals to discuss solutions to the health concerns that confront Hispanic communities across the country.

ZGS launched WZTD Richmond, the only local Spanish-language television broadcast station in the market at the beginning of December. Nicole Quiroga is the Station Manager and Carolina Rinck is the Director of Sales and Marketing. WZTD fills a void in local Spanish-language television providing Hispanics in the area with culturally relevant and local programming. It also gives local businesses and organizations the opportunity to share information and services with the community.

ZGS Brings ESPN Deportes Radio to Tampa

ESPN Deportes Radio, the only around-the-clock national Spanish-language radio network in the U.S., is now available in Tampa on WAMA 1550 AM which is owned and operated by ZGS. ESPN Deportes Radio compliments ZGS’s multimedia platform which includes WRMD Tampa, and web portal holaciudad! The station provides the local community with the latest in sports news and information, and gives advertisers and marketers a unique opportunity to reach area Hispanics.

The new antenna getting delivered

KNSO Fresno Improves Signal and Expands Coverage

KNSO Fresno is improving their signal and broadening their coverage area effective December 31. The antenna used to transmit the KNSO signal will be upgraded from 7 kilowatts to 45 kilowatts allowing for increased reach. The new signal travels as far as Modesto in the north valley and to McFarland in the south valley. The upgrade will enhance KNSO’s ability to serve the community and further demonstrate its commitment to viewers.

Raymond Arrieta with Johnny Peguero and Adriana Swim

WNEU Shines at El Jolgorio Navideño

WNEU Boston and holaciudad! were the proud sponsors of El Jolgorio Navideño, one of the most beloved local Latino galas, at the Boston Convention Center on December 12. The event gathers more than 3,500 people every year to celebrate the holiday season. This year it was even more special because El Jolgorio Navideño celebrated its 20th anniversary. The guests enjoyed themselves with Raymond Arrieta, comedian and personality from Telemundo’s morning show Levántate, who entertained and emceed the event along with Marisela Marrero, host of Fernandito's Hideway. The gala featured music from Ramón Vazquez and Neftalí Ortiz, Raíces Group, Victoria Sanabria and her orchestra, and the Mapeyé Group. The special recognition awards ceremony highlighted the dedication of various community leaders including Don Arturo Santiago Sr., Miguel Fuentes, Claritza Abreu, and Nelson Arroyo. WNEU will air a special on the event on Christmas Day.

Lucy Rios, Director of Prevention for RICADV is interviewed during the event

WRIW Providence’s First Linea de Ayuda is a Great Success

WRIW Providence partnered with RICADV (Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence) for the first Linea de Ayuda helpline in the market on October 28 from 7 – 9 pm at the WRIW studios in Cranston. Experts from the Coalition were on hand to provide information and support to victims, friends and family of domestic abuse. Over 30 callers received assistance in Spanish.

Visit Philadelphia

ZGS Telemundo stations in Philadelphia, Washington D.C. and New England, and holaciudad! fostered a great partnership with Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC) . The 360 degree campaign will start January 4, 2010 and utilize television and web components including a Spanish-language microsite on holaciudad! with in depth information on tourism in Philadelphia. The campaign will feature a grand prize giveaway for a weekend trip to Philadelphia. Viewers will register on holaciudad.com for the opportunity to win. GPTMC is a great win for ZGS and it shows the team work between local, national and research.

The WTMO staff poses in front of their welcome sign at Disney

Telenoticas Orlando Celebrates 5 Years

WTMO Orlando celebrated the fifth anniversary of its newscast at the happiest place on earth, Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom Park on November 6 with live news segments from the Park. After five years, the news team continues to be the only 100% local newscast in the Orlando market.

Telenoticias Washington Features Exclusive Interviews with Local Governors

Telenoticias Washington interviewed both the Governor of Virginia, Tim Kaine, and the Governor of Maryland, Martin O'Malley during Hispanic Heritage month. The interviews highlight the importance of the Hispanic community and the loyal viewership of WZDC. Governor Kaine conducted the entire interview in Spanish. The interviews were posted on holaciudad! and were extremely popular.

The WWDT team

WWDT Ft. Myers-Naples Hosts Appreciation Party

WWDT Ft. Myers-Naples hosted their second annual Appreciation Party which included the official launch of holaciudad!. Over 100 guests enjoyed food and entertainment at Vision Night Club on December 11. Daniel Navarrete, Station Manager thanked everyone for their support throughout the year and introduced the new local website www.holaciudad.com. He also spoke about upcoming programming, local initiatives and partnerships as well as plans for 2010. The night concluded with several giveaways including the grand prize of two airline tickets to Puerto Rico.

KTDO presents Eduardo Cordova with his prize money

KTDO El Paso Busca Una Estrella

KTDO El Paso and Taco Cabana partnered to find the next musical star with the promotion En Busca de Una Estrella. More than thirty contestants auditioned for the first round by singing a song of their choice a cappella. After one night of intense competition, ten finalists competed the following weekend for the grand prize of $1,000. Eduardo Cordova was named the winner.

VIVA DJ German Chavez airs live from the Carnival

VIVA 900 Airs Live from El Salvador

VIVA 900 DJ German Chavez traveled to El Salvador to cover the 51st Carnival of San Miguel on November 28. Every November, San Miguel comes alive with dancing and parades as the city's patron saint, the Virgen de la Paz, is honored with the largest party of the year. Local and international bands fill the streets with popular samba, reggae and merengue tunes and VIVA was there to bring its Salvadoran listeners live coverage of this memorable carnival from their home country.

Rebecca Marquez with her father Juvencio Marquez

El Paso Father is Recognized By Telemundo

KTDO El Paso and Verizon Wireless teamed-up for a special campaign to honor parents who have made a huge difference in the lives of their children by paving the ways for their educational success. Padres Heroes is a multi-platform community program designed to celebrate those efforts and sacrifices. Juvencio Marquez was the finalist in El Paso and he and his daughter Rebecca Marquez, who nominated him for the contest, traveled to Los Angeles to compete for an all expense paid trip to Hawaii. Although Mr. Marquez did not win the grand prize, he was recognized at a special luncheon in Los Angeles held in honor of all the finalists from the different markets involved in the Padres Heroes promotion. Thanks to her father Rebecca was able to make her dream come true of becoming a teacher.

A student experiments at the event

WRDM/WDMR Hartford/Springfield Experiments with Science

Sounds of mariachi filled the halls of the Connecticut Science Center to celebrate Latinos in Science Saturday which was hosted by The Connecticut Science Center, and La Voz Hispana and sponsored by WRDM/WDMR Hartford/Springfield. The event which drew hundreds of people explored the inspirational stories and careers of many Hispanic scientists and educators in the fields of engineering, science and healthcare. In addition to Latin food and music, families enjoyed exhibits, and presentations from scientists who were available to share their experiences and work with groups through interactive, hands-on activities including robot building and bridge construction with spaghetti.

José Díaz Balart with members of the WRMD team

WRMD Tampa Participates in Hispanic Scientist of the Year Gala

For the 3rd consecutive year WRMD Tampa participated in the Museum of Science and Industry’s (MOSI) Hispanic Scientist of the Year Gala held on October 10. Dr. Nils J. Diaz, Nuclear Engineer, was recognized as this year’s Hispanic Scientist of the Year for his extensive experience and contributions to nuclear science, reactor systems and fuel and regulation of nuclear facilities. José Díaz Balart of Noticiero Telemundo, was the Master of Ceremonies for the evening. WRMD Tampa produced a video of Dr. Diaz which was shown at the gala. Proceeds of the event were awarded to the Youth Enriched by Science Program.

VIVA DJs Neo Lobo, Mavi Baez, German Chavez and Indira Terrazas in front of the Capitol

VIVA 900 Covers Immigration Rally

Thousands attended a day of lobbying and an afternoon rally calling for comprehensive immigration reform on October 13 and VIVA was there to report live from the U.S. Capitol. VIVA DJs kept listeners informed throughout the afternoon. The event was sponsored by various immigrant advocacy groups and attracted convoys of buses, vans and cars carrying demonstrators from at least 17 states.

Gabe Garza of Nashville Star and KVDA’s Javier Salazar

Una Noche Bajo Las Estrellas in San Antonio

KVDA San Antonio attended the 4th annual, Mi Familia Christmas, Una Noche Bajo Las Estrellas on December 13. Latin Fusion TV presented the event which included musical performances by artists such as Gabe Garza of Nashville Star, Latin Grammy Winner Tato Henriquez, Elementos and many more. This great event benefited two San Antonio organizations, Piñatas in the Barrio and the Center for Family Relations.

The crowd enjoys the entertainment

WWDT Ft. Myers Goes Classical

WWDT Ft. Myers was the only Spanish-language television station to support the Naples Philharmonic’s Hispanic Heritage celebration Dos Noches Tropicales. The event spanned two evenings with Latin music, traditional food, art and fun. On October 2 “el maestro” Oscar D’Leon made his debut, and on October 3 salsa sensation and Grammy winner Willy Chirino performed.

Isabel Nelson accepts an award on behalf of WRMD

WRMD Tampa Honors Hispanics of the Year

WRMD Tampa and Tampa’s Hispanic Heritage Inc honored two important leaders of Tampa’s Hispanic community at their annual gala on September 26. Frank Cisneros, Cuban native was named the Hispanic Man of the Year. Community leader, the late Maria Esther Carrillo, was recognized as this year’s Hispanic Woman of the Year. The event was presented by Ivonne Prado, Marketing Coordinator for WRMD and Victor Fernandez, 2003 Hispanic Man of the Year.

WTMO team members pose with Ronald McDonald

WTMO Orlando Shares a Night with the Ronald McDonald House

Olga Aymat of WTMO's Telenoticias Orlando was the featured guest at the Ronald McDonald House annual fundraising event, Share a Night - Light a Light on December 6. During a pre-event promotional campaign, Olga urged viewers to contribute to the cause and participate. The organization provides a "home-away-from-home" for families of children that are being treated at local hospitals and medical centers. This is the third consecutive year in which WTMO was the exclusive Spanish language media partner..

The Christmas tree at the Holiday lighting event

KVDA San Antonio Lights Up the Holidays

KVDA San Antonio sponsored the Avenida Guadalupe Association’s first annual Holiday Lighting event on December 5. The event took place at the Heroes Plaza where KVDA spent an evening of fun at the Avenida giving away prizes including holaciudad! t-shirts, and celebrating the lighting of the avenue with Christmas lights, decorations, food, fun and entertainment with the Avenida Guadalupe Association and the community

WZDC Washington and holaciudad! Sends Winners to Aventura Concert

Loyal viewers of WZDC Washington, and users of holaciudad! had the opportunity to win tickets to see Aventura in concert. The ticket giveaway was featured on Telenoticias Washington’s Entre Estrellas entertainment segment and on holaciudad!. Overs 1500 entries were received through the website and 10 lucky winners were selected to attend the concert on November 22 at the Patriot Center in Virginia.

Calle Orange

Tens of Thousands Show Latin Pride in Orlando

For the 11th year WTMO Orlando participated in Central Florida’s largest outdoor festival. Bright House Network’s Festival Calle Orange took place on October 25 in downtown Orlando on Orange Avenue. Calle Orange is an annual tradition and WTMO Orlando has participated since the beginning. Great music with El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, food and fun are the ingredients to this street party. The Entre Nos team recorded a special recap episode that aired in early November.

The ring corner featuring holaciudad!

holaciudad! Featured on Boxeo Telemundo

holaciudad! was a featured sponsor of Boxeo Telemundo’s live boxing event on November 20 in Kissimmee, Florida and December 4 in Miami. During the telecast, the neutral ring corners included the holaciudad! logo.